News

US-Canadian Harmonization

10/09/2013

IME filed comments today in support of ongoing efforts to harmonize regulations that affect commerce between the US and Canada. Currently, the bi-national Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) is working for reciprocal recognition of each country's explosives classification approvals. IME suggested that the RCC also look at reciprocity between US hazardous materials-related special permits and Canadian permits for equivalent level of safety. In addition, IME pointed out the problems with the US governments's proposal to enter and manifest residues in shipping containers being returned from Canada or Mexico and asked that the RCC weigh in on this burdensome proposal. Finally, IME asked both countries to consider harmonizing standards for multipurpose bulk trucks based on rules based on rules being proposed by USDOT.